Oklahoma City Thunder offseason rumors: Sam Presti reportedly interested in signing Blake Griffin this summer

Though facing prohibitive salary-cap restrictions, Oklahoma City Thunder General Manager Sam Presti is rumored to covet the services of Los Angeles Clippers free-agent Blake Griffin.

Per the Los Angeles Times:

“Griffin can sign a five-year deal worth $175 million with L.A., or sign a four-year deal worth $130 million with another team. The Boston Celtics and Oklahoma City Thunder are two teams that will make a bid for Griffin, according to several executives.”

Presti’s offer is a long-shot pitch that would require several fortuitous personnel movements to complete. Nevertheless, this development is notable due to Griffin being both an Oklahoma City native and former All-American at the University of Oklahoma.

Last season, battling recurring injuries, Griffin averaged 21.6 PPG, 8.1 RGP, and 4.9 APG, while playing 61 contests. A seven-year veteran, Griffin has missed over a third of his previous 246 outings.

Further, due to an ailing foot, the 28-year-old didn’t compete in the Clippers’ final four playoff games. Minus Griffin, Los Angeles dropped a climactic 7 game opening-round series to the Utah Jazz.

Following this setback, with its franchise pillars Chris Paul and Blake Griffin approaching free-agency July 1, some insiders believe the once-touted “Lob City” era could soon close.

Where Griffin ultimately chooses to sign is still anyone’s guess, though, apparently, Oklahoma City will make a bid.